Eco Travel Gambia a community-based organization in Gunjur village, has today embarked on the bandwagon of “One Man – One Tree” initiative by planting over 1500 indigenous trees at the former sand mining site of Gunjur village. The organisation through its vision of building awareness about the importance of environmental protection and ecological conservation in The Gambia has today launched the Sibindinto – Nyabadaa Wetland Conservation Initiative.
The initiative which is part of Eco Travel Gambia’s Southern Coastline Ecological Restoration program is geared towards conserving the environmental and ecological resources of the Gambia through community-based participation in natural resources restoration programs. The One Man – One Tree planting exercise was attended by over 150 participants who joined in planting indigenous trees in Gunjur this morning. Among the dignitaries who attended the event are Mr. Malang Jassey - Director of Gambia Forestry Department, Professors and Students from Drexel University, Anti – Bush Fire Campaign Team, Mr. Saikou Janko of All Gambia Forestry Platform, Dr. Malanding Jaiteh - Adviser to The President on Environmental Issues, Mr. Bakary Sanyang - Governor of West Coast Region, and representatives from environmental and youth groups in the country.
The participants of the event have collectively planted indigenous trees namely: Bamboo, Moringa, Palm tree, Cashew, Rhun palm, Silk-cotton tree, and Gingerbread Plum among others. The planting exercise is done in an ecological important zone which helps providing a resting area for migratory birds, as well as supporting the natural beauty of coastal biodiversity for ecotourism development in The Gambia. The area is impacted by commercial sand mining activities resulting in the decline of indigenous trees. Eco Travel Gambia thanks all the volunteers and people who have contributed in making the event successful.
Speaking to GunjurOnline, Omar A J Saho of Eco Travel Gambia had this to say:
“I'm so much happy about the turnout, and the commitment showcased by the participants of the event. I am very humbled and optimistic in seeing the involvement of key decision makers and as well the youthful population in the event, which is very encouraging in our quest for sustainable natural resource management in The Gambia. I thank all the participants for their time and efforts for making it a successful event.”
The organisation seizes this opportunity to inform the participants that the “One Man – One Tree” campaign will be a continues event of the Southern Coastline Ecological Restoration Program and that supports and sponsorships are highly invited.